NILDS Stages Second Staff Sports Day, Unveils Wellness Drive
State Correspondent
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) on Saturday, July 4, 2026, successfully hosted the second edition of its Staff Social and Sports Day, with employees participating in football, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, snooker, tug of war, aerobics, chess and other board games in a celebration of fitness, teamwork and healthy living.
The sporting festival, held in Abuja, drew participants from various departments of the institute and forms part of NILDS’ quarterly initiative to promote staff wellness, improve workplace collaboration and boost productivity through regular physical activity.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, announced that the institute’s newly completed Staff Wellness Clinic will be commissioned on July 16, 2026, describing it as another milestone in management’s commitment to employee welfare.
According to him, the clinic complements the sports and wellness programme by providing accessible healthcare services for staff while encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Prof. Sulaiman said the second edition was expanded after recommendations from staff following the maiden event, noting that regular exercise reduces stress, improves physical and mental health, strengthens teamwork and enhances productivity. He urged staff to sustain their participation in the quarterly programme and encouraged heads of departments to mobilise more employees, especially female staff and corps members.
Earlier, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Musibau Moshood, said the initiative reflects management’s determination to build a healthier, more inclusive and highly motivated workforce through sports and recreation.
Participants commended the programme for creating opportunities to exercise, interact and build stronger relationships outside the office environment.
Aminat Sulaimon described the event as refreshing and enlightening, saying it provided staff with an avenue to exercise, socialise with colleagues and ease the pressure of daily office work. She added that management’s commitment to staff welfare continues to inspire employees.
Ogechi Nnamani said the programme encourages workers to embrace regular physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle, while Suzie Odeh noted that the initiative has strengthened unity among staff by creating opportunities for colleagues from different departments to interact.
Audrawas Musa praised Prof. Sulaiman for actively participating in the exercise sessions, describing his involvement as leadership by example. Chinedu Echianu added that sustaining the quarterly sports programme would help build a healthier workforce, strengthen teamwork and improve service delivery across the institute.
The competition ended with the presentation of medals and cash prizes to outstanding performers. Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya of DLSS won the men’s table tennis title, Solomon Kuyet of the Library emerged champion in snooker, while Tobi Osimokun of Democracy Radio claimed the badminton title.
In the women’s category, Saratu Hamalai of DLSS won the table tennis event, Ebere Igwe of Democracy Radio emerged champion in snooker, while Tobechukwu Rosemary of the Library secured the badminton title.
The second edition of the NILDS Staff Social and Sports Day underscores the institute’s commitment to combining sports, recreation and healthcare through its expanding wellness programme, with the upcoming commissioning of the Staff Wellness Clinic expected to further strengthen employee well-being.
